Day 648: Thanks

First things first: a post. It's been too long. I've been away, and before that I've had another outlet for my gratitude, in that I've been taking part in a delightful Facebook project called Love Lent, organised by Frea O'Brien. In it, we commit 30 minutes a day for something wonderful. I promised to meditate, sing, dance, do mirror work, and pray. On top of that, write prayers and thoughts every day based on whatever was coming up. 

Alex Grey

I did really well and loved it, and then I went away for ten days or so. I'm just back and I find that it's time to pick back up again. It's time to pray to you right now, and to everything, just for this daily dose of gratitude to be more vibrantly alive in me each day. 

Guess what's first... yes, of course, that water. I had to be up early early to make it before work, and I did (for which I am truly grateful). I slipped in to the prickly welcome of the water. I watched the sunlight move. I dunked. I looked for birds and found pigeons and one parakeet - screechy little bugger, he was. I saw another bird flit as I was leaving. I've decided that it was the kingfisher as my heart did a little bit of leaping. Why not indeed.

I stepped out stronger. My body solid, my back straight. I covered myself in the bliss of the hot water afterwards. It's so simple... the water, the cold and then the hot. The most basic of pleasures and the most rich of gifts. Simplicity is a kiss on the forehead, reminding me just to love and to be grateful.

And god, I have so much to give thanks for. Thank you, Ruth and Ruth. Ruth Edwards, for being my beloved friend and cousin, for inspiring me and for showing me grace and humour. Ruth Blake, you delight me too, with your hilarious self and excitement and wonder. And Eddie (oh, you two, you will still be mentioned in the same breath for many years to come), I love who you are very much, and I get to learn all sorts of things and to be of use as well. 

Alex Grey and Rumi

Thanks for lots of work these weeks, and for people who make me laugh. Thanks for new doors opening all the time. Thanks, Greg, for being kind and lovely and brave. Thank you, crows and trees and skies and thank you, Fiona, for your wise and intuitive support, and for helping me move more and more into a brilliant place.